From 9/11 I learned that the biggest weapon that can be used against our freedom is our freedom itself... which puts us in a precarious situation when it comes to disarming those who wield this weapon.
I see America as a nation where we are so free we can look at political differences as "divisive" and think it's a bad thing. To understand what I mean, live in (or talk to someone who has been to) a country where the people have reason to fear disagreeing with the wrong people too openly.
I don't view the world any different that it has ever been. The allies, enemies and neutrals change faces at times, but in the end the community of world nations still move through their cliques and play head games with each other... much like High School (keeping ratio and perportion in mind). ;~D
Some will disagree with this, but actually I do think we are more united as a nation. Too many people look at people of differing views hashing it out (sometimes pretty emotionally) and think of that as a lack of unity. But doesn't that mean we are talking? I think that the last 40 or so years has seen an unprecendented amount of people with differing views, backgrounds, and attitudes about life communicating with each other. The words may not always be nice, but the dialogue is there. Other than the extremists on both sides, I also don't think that conservatives, liberals and moderates hate each other as much as it would seem. I don't think that has slowed since 9/11.
No, we aren't more at peace since 9/11, but then again, we weren't at peace before 9/11.
Societies move in cycles, peaks and valleys at varying intervals. Governments, cultures, subcultures and people may have some effect on the wavelengths, but not as much as politicians want to take credit for, or people want to place blame. The next 10 years will be no different. In the U.S, the next few years will depend on whether we really do have a strong economy or not. If our economy is truly strong, then the oil prices will be absorbed (much like they have been so far), but if some here at JU (and around the country) are right and the strong economic indicators are cooked, then the high oil prices will fuel the crash. In the next ten years, I also see us finally starting the process of changing our energy sources.
This is a cop out, but I've learned not to try to make choices before I even know what the options will be.
Parties matter way too much. Because of the stranglehold parties have on the House and Senate, the states and people who are supposed to be represented take a backseat to majority and minority leaders. How is Oklahoma being represented if their Senators are freshmen and Utah's are seasoned veterans who lead powerful committees? People want to vote for the best candidate for the job, but if the seat is more important than the candidate, voting based on the person is almost meaningless.
A person who can be either, when it is appropriate.
My health, but then again on 9/11 I had it, but now I don't... maybe that means I miss it more than cherish it though.. ;~D
7, I changed because, while I knew that we could be hit here at home, nothing like a history to bring on reality. I'm not any more scared to go or do anything, just a little more aware. Individual awareness of our surroundings is a much better way to reduce the threat of terrorism than most of the laws past in reaction to it.
Yeah, becoming disabled. How has it changed me? Well, I'm not at the Gulf Coast leading troops, running aid stations or helping to coordinate the recovery... that's a big change.
Since 9/11, I am stronger in my political opinions, but I also enjoy hearing the opinions of the other side. I've always been like this, but the two go a lot deeper now.
3.. too long. ;~D
